CODSN Management Team

Dianna J. Hansen, Co-Founder, Executive DirectorDianna is the co-founder and executive director of the Central Oregon Disability Support Network. In addition to being active on several local and state boards, she is a 2010 graduate of Partners in Policy Making, the Chair of the State Interagency Coordinating Council and a certified Person Centered Plan Facilitator. Dianna’s professional experience includes many different areas in the business management, marketing and accounting fields.

Dianna’s passion in the field was fostered when her and her husband’s third child was born with a developmental disability. Dianna strives to support, advocate for, educate and equip Individuals, families and professionals in the field of disability.

Leah Persichilli, Administrative AssistantLeah Persichilli is a mother of two feisty fireballs. She lives in Bend, Oregon where she and her family enjoy "urban homesteading", skiing, yoga, swimming in the beautiful lakes and reservoirs that surround Bend, cooking, and random acts of art and home projects.

The rich and crazy experience of life - and a son born with an extra 21st chromosome - has brought her to CODSN, where she advocates for people with all abilities and revels in the beauty of differences.

Stephanie Widler, Redmond Office ManagerStephanie lives in Redmond with her family. She found CODSN when her family moved to the area in 2010. In January of 2016 she came on board to work in the Redmond office. Her older son attends public school and experiences Down Syndrome. Stephanie is very passionate about all students getting what they need to participate in their education. She is also a member of the Deschutes County I/DD Advisory Council, the Head Start Policy Council and a 2016 Graduate of Oregon Partner's in Policymaking.

Giovanna Owen, PresidentGiovanna lives in Bend with her husband, Cody and their son, Jordan, who has special needs. She graduated from Corban University in Salem, OR with her bachelor degree in Business Administration. Giovanna and her husband own Green by Nature, a landscape company serving Bend, Redmond and surrounding CentralOregon communities. She homeschools her son and instructs him on operating his candy vending business. Giovanna has also volunteered at Healing Reigns and as a board member for Relay for Life. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking and kayaking in the Cascade Lakes area with her family, and spending time with friends.

Laurie Heatherington, Vice-President​Laurie Hetherington is blessed to be living in Bend, Oregon, where she can be found in the snow and sun, having endless adventures with her family. Prior to having her hands full with energetic boys, she worked in the Human Resource field and with in-house legal counsel. Those careers provided valuable experience on her journey to become a strong advocate for her son who has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Autism. She came to CODSN because she is passionate about helping other families forge a path through the jungles of disabilities and find the joys in learning to dream a different dream for their child.

Stephanie Hunter, SecretaryStephanie lives in Redmond with her husband, daughter, and dog and is new to CODSN and Central Oregon. Prior to moving to this part of the state she lived in Portland and worked statewide as a behavior specialist and workshop trainer with OTAC. In her “free time” she was actively involved on many diverse committees, advocacy groups, and PTA’s focused on improving outcomes in special education and ending the school to prison pipeline that disproportionately impacts students of color primarily, as well as students with disabilities, and students with mental health needs. Stephanie’s professional and advocacy experience has not taught her nearly as much as her daughter who is now starting to direct her own IEP services in school.

Tashina Jordan, TreasurerTashina Jordan is a native to Oregon and has been living in Bend for 8 years. She is a stay at home mom to a fun loving 4 year old son, Mason. Mason has cerebral palsy and various other disabilities, but he never lets that stop him from enjoying life and being curious about everything! Tashina enjoys reading, crocheting and spending time with her family.

Kitt Martin, Board
MemberKitt Martin is an empowered adult Autistic and 2012 Redmond High School graduate who has been passionate about Disability since the age of thirteen. Kitt has been a blogger and Facebook advocate for Disability rights since age sixteen, and has volunteered as a peer mentor with fellow Disabled students since age fifteen. Kitt spends her free time reading, singing, learning foreign languages and writing novels and poetry. She currently coordinates a peer group in Redmond for Central Oregon's Disabled youth. Kitt became a member of CODSN in 2012.

Amy Neff, Board MemberAmy Neff is a teacher for the Bend-La Pine School District and lives in Bend with her husband and son. Her son, Jack, is an energetic and humorous nine-year old who has cerebral palsy. Jack amazes his family with his “go for it” attitude and wheelie shows. Along with enjoying all the awesome activities that Central Oregon offers, Amy and her family enjoying skiing with OAS.

Heidi Nelson, Board MemberHeidi Nelson is the mother of two children, Alex and Scarlet. Her daughter Scarlet experiences cerebral palsy. She is a licensed massage therapistspecializing in therapeutic massage, and owner of High Desert Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. A Central Oregon native, she grew up at Smith Rock and enjoys camping, traveling with her children and renovating her fixer-upper. Heidi is a 2014 graduate of Partners in Policymaking.